FY2023 NAGPRA Repatriation Grants

Grant funds must be used for REPATRIATION under NAGPRA, which means the transfer of control of Native American human remains and/or cultural items to lineal descendants, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations. Repatriation includes disposition of culturally unidentifiable Native American human remains (CUI) according to 43 CFR § 10.11. Repatriation projects defray costs associated with the packaging, transportation, contamination removal, reburial, and/or storage of NAGPRA-related human remains and/or cultural items.

The following entities are eligible to apply for a NAGPRA Repatriation Grant: An Indian Tribe, Alaskan Native Village, or Native Hawaiian Organization An Indian Tribe means any tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community of Indians, including any Alaska Native village (as defined in, or established pursuant to, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act), which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians. The Department of the Interior has interpreted this definition as applying to the 574 Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages that are recognized by the United States Government. The Bureau of Indian Affairs’ list of Federally recognized tribes is available at www.bia.gov. This list does not include Alaska regional or village corporations, though they may be partners on a project. Native Hawaiian organization (NHO) includes any organization that: a) serves and represents the interests of Native Hawaiians; b) has as a primary and stated purpose the provision of services to Native Hawaiians; and c) has expertise in Native Hawaiian Affairs. NAGPRA states that such Native Hawaiian organizations shall include the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. A museum that has control of Native American human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony and has received Federal funds The term “Museum” includes state or local government agencies, private institutions, and institutions of higher learning that have received Federal funds. Museums determined to be out of compliance with NAGPRA may be excluded from consideration. Federal agencies and the Smithsonian Institution may not apply for grants. Applicants who previously received a NAGPRA grant, but whose grant expired without successfully completing major elements of the proposed work or without meeting the conditions of the grant award may be penalized in the review process. If an applicant has questions about their eligibility, they should contact the Awarding Agency using the information provided in Section G of this announcement.